Birds are most easily observed when they gather at food sources, and birdfeeders are a great way to attract birds to a location where it is convenient for us to watch and enjoy them.
A variety of species are attracted to birdfeeders; these species interact with each other, sometimes in surprising ways. They may ignore each other, compete for the same food or select different food from a nearby source.
Most birds like to approach a feeder from natural cover, such as a shrub or tree, and some will take seeds away to store or eat out of sight.
The Process
- Mix unflavoured gelatin or gelatin alternative with water (according to package instructions for setting solids) and combine in a mixing bowl with wild birdseed. Stir so that each seed is thinly coated. We recommend 1.5 cups of seed and the box recommendations for the gelatin – likely one envelope.
- On a parchment-paper lined baking sheet, mould the seed mixture around a yogurt cup to make a hole, patting down with a spoon as you go, and wait for it to harden. This will probably take over night. We carefully turned our wreath over (gently removing the yogurt cup) after several hours to speed drying.
- Be sure to make a small hole to thread string or a pretty ribbon through for hanging. Remember not to thread the wreath until it is completely dry. Store in the fridge until ready for use.
- Give them away as gifts or hang them on trees and watch the birds feed! Be sure to tell your gift recipient to place the feeder at a safe distance from windows (less than ½ m or more than 10m) to prevent bird crashes.
This craft is brought to you courtesy of Earth Day Canada’s EcoKids program, Canada’s leading environmental education resource for teachers and educators in grades K-8.
